Smyrna High FFA program wins state awards

Thursday

Aug 1, 2013 at 2:43 PM

Smyrna High FFA students won numerous awards for state contests while agriscience teachers and FFA advisors also received accolades at the state FFA awards breakfast July 26 at the Delaware State Fair.

The Smyrna FFA Chapter shined like the hot summer sun by having a successful showing at the 2013 Delaware State Fair, with numerous recognitions at the Delaware FFA Awards Breakfast held on Friday.

Individual, team, and school awards

Kyle Cadmus drove his way to first place in the Safe Tractor Operation CDE by operating a tractor along with a two- and four-wheel wagon and skid steer loader in a field with 14 statewide competitors. Cadmus will have the opportunity to compete in regional competition at the Eastern State Exposition in Springfield, Mass. this September.

The Smyrna FFA featured two state winning judging teams in the areas of livestock and horse evaluation.

The Horse Judging team also captured first place with members Kaitlyn Garrison, Taylor Dixon, Gabrielle DiRusso and Heather Tolliver. Individual top recognition went to Garrison in third place, Dixon in fourth place and DiRusso in 11th. Both teams also earned the opportunity to travel to national competition.

Smyrna High School FFA members Jenna Scuse and Jared Zolper won first place in the AgriScience Fair team competition, which showcased scientific skills and analysis in the area of methane gas research. Their first place victory guarantees them a trip for further competition as well, at the National FFA Convention in Louisville, Ky. this October.

The Ag Mechanics CDE team consisting of Elizabeth Blake, Amber Counsellor, Jake Mitchell and Tyler Niblett placed second in the state. The second prize also means that this team will travel to regional competition in September to compete at the Eastern States Exposition in Springfield, Mass.

The Forestry team of Courtney Alfree, Ryan Harris, Jenna Keskemety and Ryan Womax placed fifth in competition held at Brecknock County Park.

The Nursery Landscaping team of Amanda Hotaling, Gabby Ramsey, Jennifer Savin and Kyle Cadmus placed sixth in the state.

Smyrna FFA Chapter member Brenden Cook received fourth place for his efforts in the Dairy Cattle Handlers Showmanship event.

The chapter also placed first in the Delaware Agricultural Products Display competition with its Wheel of Fortune game show theme. The display will be featured at the National FFA Convention's Hall of States exhibit hall in Louisville, Ky.

Smyrna FFA members were also successful in non-FFA events at the State Fair.

Sarah McHale won awards in the beef department for the Supreme Heifer, Grand Jr., and Open Champion, and also in pygmy goats with the Champion Junior Wether and Reserve Overall Wether.

The Smyrna/Clayton Southern States Cooperative was also recognized with the Delaware Association of AgriScience Educators 2013 Outstanding Cooperation award, for an agricultural business that assists schools featuring agricultural education programs. The award was accepted by E.J. Hurd, who is an Alumni FFA member and graduate of Smyrna High School.

Russ Stinson, longtime agriculture teacher at Smyrna High School was unable to attend the awards program, but was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the DAAE organization. Stinson's contributions to Smyrna continue outside the classroom, through his work with the Smyrna FFA Alumni and volunteer work with the American Legion Ambulance Station 64.

FFA Fair exhibits

When it came to growing, arranging, harvesting or building fair exhibits, the Smyrna FFA Chapter had a number of members who supplied competitive FFA entries. Premium ribbon winners included:

Affiliated Delaware Papers

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
Smyrna/Clayton Sun-Times ~ 24 W. Main St., Middletown, DE 19709 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service